Another Hurdle

Jim Henry

08/11/2003

<b>Greg Jones</b> admits his surgically repaired knee is sore. But don't panic. In Jones' mind, it's a healthy soreness, a feeling he believes is proof that he's well on his way to recovery. Of course, Jones faces another hurdle when FSU opens two-a-day practices today. "I just want to go ahead and take a shot on my leg and see a reaction to it," he said. Jones also is part of the Seminoles' Unity Council, which already has met four times with coach Bobby Bowden. Click here for the details.

Greg Jones admits his surgically repaired knee is sore. But don't panic. In Jones' mind, it's a healthy soreness, a feeling he believes is proof that he's well on his way to recovery.

"Yesterday (Saturday) for the first time it started to feel sore. I guess that's a good note," Jones said. "Overall, though, it feels great and I am very happy with my progress."

Of course, a major test comes today, when Florida State begins two-a-day practices with full contact. Jones, the Seminoles' leading rusher last season before going down at Wake Forest with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, ran effortlessly in last week's single-day sessions.

Even so, FSU plans to take a cautious approach with Jones. He was held out of selected drills last week, including Saturday when his knee felt sore and fatigued. Still Jones said he's looking forward to taking a pitch from quarterback Chris Rix and running for daylight -- or over a defender if need be.

"I am looking forward to it (today)," Jones said. "I just want to go ahead and take a shot on my leg and see a reaction to it. I am hoping it's (Monday). I really am. I am ready."

Jones also believes he can return better than ever at some point this season.

"There will be a time that I will be the player that I was," Jones said. "It may not be right off the bat but there will be a time, that's how I feel."

While Jones continues his recovery, he also believes the Seminoles have recovered from last season's constant string of problems, on and off the field.

He's part of the team's Unity Council, a 13-player group that represents the Seminoles in meetings with Coach Bobby Bowden. All four classes are represented. The group has already met four times, including last week. Anything and everything is open for discussion.

"People are now coming to a practice for a purpose," Jones said.

"Last year people came to practice, just trying to get by. Now, guys are coming to practice, trying to get better, coming out with a purpose. Everyone has a mindset that for us to be successful, everyone has to work. We don't have that ‘Let's just try to make it to practice' mentality."